CROSSTALK BETWEEN INTRINSIC HEART RATE AND PULSE WAVE ANALYSIS IN SMOKERS

Abstract

Objective: Heart rate and pulse wave analysis provide useful information for cardiovascular risk. It was the aim of the present study to assess the relationship between heart rate and pulse wave variables in healthy smokers. Design and method: A total of 68 middle-aged, healthy smokers, underwent pulse wave analysis using an Arteriograph. Blood pressure variables, pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial and aortic augmentation indices (AixBrach, AixAo), vascular (arterial) age (AA) and coronary perfusion indices (diastolic reflection area DRA, diastolic area index DAI) were assessed. Resting heart rate (HR) and intrinsic heart rate (IHR) were assessed for each patient. Data about smoking history were collected and smoking pack years (SPY) were calculated. Results: HR, IHR, SPY, pulse wave velocity (PWV), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure in the aorta (SBPAo), AixBrach, AixAo, were, as follows: 73 ± 11 beats/minute, 101 ± 13 beats/minute, 7.56 ± 9.31 pack years, 8.73 ± 5.06 m/s, 126 ± 15 mmHg, 91 ± 12 mmHg, 116 ± 16 mmHg, -42.27 ± 28%, 16 ± 14%, respectively. Significant correlations were obtained between HR and PWV, AA, DAI, DRA and between IHR and number of cigarettes smoked/day, SPY, AixBrach, AA, DAI, DRA, SBPAo, PPAo, AixAo, PWV and pulse pressure. Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between IHR and AixBrach, SBPAo, PPAo, AixAo and AA. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations between IHR and SBPAo and AA, respectively (multiple R = 0.539, R square = 0.291, p = 0.006 and 0.013). Conclusions: IHR is significantly associated with brachial and aortic augmentation indices, central blood pressure and vascular age. Systolic blood pressure in the aorta and vascular age are independent predictors of IHR in healthy smokers.